Research

One of the biggest decisions you will ever make is selecting a career. This choice is likely to determine the college you attend, the degree program you enter, the kind of job you get, and the qualify of life you enjoy in the future.

There are a number of things to consider before committing yourself. You need to understand yourself, research careers that interest you, and take into account the costs and benefits of various professions.

1. Self-Analysis

Ask yourself some questions. What do you most enjoy doing? What are your strengths and abilities? What activities interest or inspire you? Are you an extrovert who likes working with people, or would you prefer a more independent job? Do you thrive under pressure, or prefer a low-stress environment?

Think about the high school subjects in which you got your best grades, the extracurricular activities in which you excelled, and hobbies that give you satisfaction. Perhaps you have had a part-time or summer job involving duties you enjoyed. These experiences should paint a fairly clear picture of what you like and the things you do well.

Students have widely varying interests, talents, and personalities. Everyone is not suited for the same types of employment. Take an honest look at yourself, and cross off your list of possible careers those that do not fit you. Ask a high school guidance counselor, teacher, or other adult you trust to rate your strengths and give you feedback on potential occupations.

A number of career-assessment tests and quizzes are available online. They measure your aptitude for various sorts of jobs, and help you identify aspects of your personality that would lend themselves to certain professions. Because your psychology plays a major role in determining what you like and dislike, some of these tests pose probing personal questions. The Career Key, the Myers-Briggs test, and the Strong Interest Inventory are among the career self-assessments you may want to consider taking.

2. Research

Look up information about jobs that match your interests, skills, and personality. Conduct web searches of words and terms related to the subjects and activities you enjoy. Find out about employment opportunities involving those things, and compile a list of careers that you find intriguing.

Research job descriptions and other information about these careers. Speak with professionals in the fields you are considering, and ask them about the joys and challenges of their jobs. Volunteer or get an internship doing work related to a career that you find interesting. The more you learn, the easier it will be to reduce the number of potential jobs on your list.

3. Costs and Rewards

It should come as no surprise that high-paying professions tend to require substantial investments of time and money. For instance, medical doctors must earn bachelor’s degrees, complete four years of medical school, and then obtain several years of specialized training before they are finally allowed to practice.

You are obviously interested in knowing how much various jobs pay. A lucrative occupation may enable you to pay off your student loans much more quickly. While everyone wants to make a good salary, the amount of money is more important to some people than it is to others. How much does it matter to you?

Keep in mind how much it costs to get the education and training required for a career. Find out which colleges and universities offer degree programs in the field. Are the schools far away, or could you save money by commuting from home?

Do not be discouraged by high tuition rates, at least not until after learning about all the financial-aid opportunities. Scholarships, grants, loans, and other types of assistance are available from the federal government, states, colleges, and private organizations. You may find that your preferred career path is not as expensive as you initially feared.

4. Job Prospects

Another factor is the number of jobs expected to be available in a profession in the future. The federal government’s Bureau of Labor Statistics is one of the sources you can consult for such predictions.

Having a degree will not mean much if you can’t find a job in the field. Learn about a career’s trends to get an idea of future job prospects. Try to figure out whether an occupation will continue to provide the salary level you require.

There are many things to keep in mind while going through the process of selecting a career. Do not forget to continually ask yourself, “Is this something I can see myself doing every day for the rest of my life?” No matter how much a job pays, you are not likely to be happy if you don’t like the nature of the work.

Finally, remember that nothing is permanent. You can always change your mind, though it could be costly to do so. Many students change their majors during their college years. Others opt for different professions after they have worked for several years in their degree field.

If you follow all the steps, compile the necessary information, and make wise decisions, you may find yourself with a career that you love.

Graduate assistantships are a boon to students who cannot afford to pay the full cost of their tuition fees. Foreign students especially aspire for an assistantship as it takes care of their tuition fees and provides a stipend for living expenses. So they only need to shell out the airfare to go to the US and begin their academic life. In this article we offer valuable tips on how to get a graduate assistantship at a US university.

Complete Your Application with Care

Fill your application carefully and ensure you answer all the questions. Do not leave out any question as it may be important to the reviewers. Include your resume and a statement about your interest in the assistantship position and the skills you can offer to the position. Strengthen your case by expanding on your qualification and experience.

Avoid Errors

Your resume and application should be free of errors. Proofread them thoroughly to weed out all grammar and spelling mistakes. Format and present your resume in a professional manner to impress the reviewers.

Do Your Homework

Hit the Internet and research on which universities are more likely to offer you a graduate assistantship. Typically, public universities offer more assistantships compared to private ones. Do your homework thoroughly and calculate your chances of getting an assistantship before you start sending out applications.

Tips for International Students

International students should work hard and get good scores in their GRE and TOEFL exams to impress the universities. We recommend taking the Test of Spoken English (TSE) also to strengthen your case. If the university is reassured you can speak good English, it will certainly improve your chances a great deal. If you do not get an assistantship with your admission, we advise you to go the campus a month early to find out and apply for available assistantship positions in all the departments of the university.

Be Prepared for an Interview

If you have started classes without getting an assistantship, you should take care to maintain a good GPA and be prepared for an interview. Convince professors about your abilities and skills to impress them. Keep up your motivation and research all available opportunities on the campus.

How to Find Assistantships

Unlike graduate fellowships and scholarships, almost all colleges and universities offer assistant programs at the master’s and PhD levels. Do not be disheartened if you do not get an assistantship in the first quarter or semester. Directly contact staff members who manage assistantships in various departments to get details of available openings and how to submit applications for them.

How to Apply for a Graduate Assistantship

Find out the exact requirements for each opening. Prepare a document that lists all the requirements and deadlines for each position so that you do not miss out on applying to any one inadvertently. A strong statement of purpose as well as recommendation letters can strengthen your application greatly. Some departments may even ask you to complete a research or teaching task before selecting you for the role. So prepare yourself well to deliver what is required to get the assistantship.

Summary

Remember that though assistantships are intensely competitive, they are easily attainable for a well-prepared candidate. There are many benefits of working as a graduate assistant for a university. The experience will look good on your resume especially for foreign students who can boast of working for a US university. You can also get references and recommendation letters from professors and the university which can help you further your academic and professional career. Last but not the least you can develop your communication and leadership skills and build a network with students and professors to boost your career opportunities and social life.

Plagiarism is an important topic that comes up many a time in academic circles. Plagiarism, simply put, is the act of claiming someone else’s work as your own. Sometimes plagiarism means literally copying and pasting chunks of text and pretending it is yours. Plagiarism can occur even when someone paraphrases someone else’s work without giving credit. This is plagiarism’s most common form in the academic world. Plagiarism can have many consequences. Individual Professors are often forced to abide by a college-wide plagiarism policy. At its’ best, being caught plagiarizing means you may not earn credit for an exam or paper. At its’ worst, plagiarism can mean expulsion from school and even jail time in certain countries. So, that being said, how do we avoid plagiarism?

1. Bookmark All of the Webpages You Use for Your Research
This will make it easier for you to keep track of the online articles you were using. Organization now saves much time and effort later! This is also important because many professors wish to have the web address for any articles that you used during your research.

2. Keep a Rough List of All of Your Resources Used
Most, if not all professors will require some form of bibliography or ‘Works Cited’ page at the end of a paper. I recommend doing something a bit more informal. I recommend keeping a working list with just the titles and author names for all of the resources used. This ‘working list’ can be used to build your ‘Works Cited’ page much later. It is also somewhat useful because not all of your resources you use will end up in your final paper. If a particular resource is not used in the paper, remove it from the informal list and then you have a good way of using the working list.

3. Utilize the Internet! (Again)
In a similar article, we discussed the importance of using the internet. Type in portions of your paper. If it seems too similar to something else that someone else has already written you may want to go back and make sure that you a. cite what was already written or b. eliminate or change what you wrote so that you do not get accused of plagiarism. Many professors will use the internet and special software to deter cheaters. This especially common at larger universities in the United States.

4. Get to Know Your Professor’s Stylistic Requirements
Get to know your professor’s stylistic requirements. Citation procedure change depending on the topic being discussed. One of the most common citations that is used in many college courses is the Modern Language Association Format of citations. Other common forms include scientific citations as well as Chicago style citations. A valuable resource for citation making is www.citationmachine.net or www.easybib.com. Both of these websites are free to the user and very easy to use. Besides citations, there are other stylistic requirements. A good resource for both citations and stylistic requirements is Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab or OWL. OWL features many different resources. The writing lab can be found at https://owl.english.purdue.edu/ and is a great resource for up and coming writers!

5. Finalize Your Citations
Okay, you’ve done all of your reading and you’ve made your working list! What next? Well, after checking out the stylistic format related requirements it is time to formulate your ‘Works Cited’ page. The above resources will guide you through that, as well as in-text citations for many different resources.

And when in doubt, ask a professor! Professors are happy to take the time with you to make sure you avoid plagiarism!

Teachers play crucial roles in society, sharing their knowledge with students and training them to succeed as adults. Education is an ancient and noble profession that is among the most popular college majors.

The path to becoming a teacher begins in high school, or even earlier, when students begin thinking about the profession. This process continues through stages of preparation, education, and certification.

You may want to be a teacher because you have been inspired by instructors in your school. Perhaps there is an academic subject that you love, and would like to teach to others. You could have a gift for relating to children that makes you well suited for a life as an educator.

1. Preparation

If you are in middle school or high school, you may already be considering education as a career. This is when you begin exploring the possibilities, and determining whether you have the necessary skills. In addition to research, you need first-hand information from teachers you respect. Ask why they chose the profession, and which aspects they like and dislike.

Your grades are important, as they are major factors in getting college placements and financial aid. If your grade-point average is too low, it could be hard to find a college that will accept you. Exceptional marks, along with high scores on the ACT or SAT, could pay large dividends.

It is recommended that prospective teachers take a variety of liberal-arts classes in high school. Challenge yourself with difficult courses, and sign up for college-prep programs. During this time, decide whether you want to teach in elementary, secondary, or special education. The level you choose affects the classes you should take.

In determining which academic subject to teach, you might want to do some market research. Instructors in certain subjects are in greater demand than others, which influences job availability and salary. At last report, those most needed were math, biology, chemistry, and special-education instructors. Social studies, health, and physical-education teachers were in the least demand.

2. Post-Secondary Education

The educational requirements for teachers are similar, with some differences, in the United States and Canada. States and provinces, rather than national governments, determine rules and procedures. All jurisdictions in the two countries mandate bachelor’s degrees, which typically entail four years of full-time study.

Selecting a college or university involves a number of factors, like tuition rates, academic requirements, degree programs, school size, and location. Do not immediately rule out a college that appears to be too expensive. Explore all the possible types of financial aid. The United States has a Federal Teachers Loan Forgiveness Program for students who agree to teach certain subjects or work in low-income areas. Some states also offer incentives to attact more people to the profession.

Education majors take an array of general-education classes, with an emphasis on the grade levels they anticipate teaching. While in school, they often work as student teachers to obtain on-the-job training. U.S. students seek undergraduate degrees in the subjects (like math, science, or English) that they plan to teach. They also must complete pedagogy coursework, which covers educational theories and practices.

An alternate route is to complete two years of college, then transfer to a four-year teacher-education degree program at a university. Online courses also are available. Some states impose additional stipulations regarding teacher-preparation classes. Receiving student-teacher training, as well as passing an exam in your subject area, are commonly mandated before you are allowed to apply for a teaching certificate.

Canadian undergraduates must obtain a specified number of credits, which varies by province, in education-related courses. A bachelor of secondary education degree takes another year or two of studies.

3. Certification

Nearly all public schools, and many private institutions, require their teachers to have professional certification. Procedures vary, but states usually administer the PRAXIS exam or a basic-skills test. A passing grade qualifies you for a teaching certificate in that state. Most states have incremental levels of certification. You could work for three to five years with preliminary, or provisional, credentials. Continuing education and experience are required to earn professional or permanent certificates.

In some places, this process is complicated. For instance, starting teachers in Michigan and some other states hold “initial” certificates that are good for one or two years, then can pass some exams to get six-year “provisional” credentials. These certificates must be renewed three times, involving more classes and exams. With further continuing education and professional development, an instructor may earn a “professional education” certificate. Veteran teachers can qualify for “advanced professional education” certification.

If you are certified in one state, you might be allowed to transfer the credentials to another state. However, such reciprocity agreements are not accepted in all jurisdictions. To become certified to teach in Canada, you need to show your qualifications to a provincial education department or College of Teachers. You also must past an exam.

Teaching children has many rewards, though the financial benefits are not as attractive as those of many other professional occupations. If you successfully navigate all the years of education, training, and certification, you can look forward to a gratifying career. As a teacher, you will find yourself in a position to positively influence young people, and help them achieve their own goals in life.

Multiple-choice and problem-solving questions on exams are not the only methods by which you are tested as a college student. You also must know how to write essays, because professors frequently assign them. Some universities require essays as part of the admissions process. There also may be opportunities for you to enter essay contests in your field of study.

Though the task may seem daunting, composing an essay is an easily learned skill. It can be broken down into a series of steps, which makes the process more understandable.

1. Do Your Research

After determining the subject of your essay, the first step is to compile the information you need to write it. Do this with an understanding of the types of material, and the sources of information, that will be deemed acceptable. For example, a professor may not want you to cite user-generated websites.

Conduct web searches of various combinations of words and phrases related to your topic. Check academic data bases, look through your textbooks and other class materials, and go to the college library.

2. Analyze the Information

Carefully consider arguments posed in essays that others have written about your topic. Writers who agree with your point of view will give you ideas about how to craft your essay. Those with contrary opinions also are of value, because they challenge you to defend your notions. Keep an open mind as you learn new perspectives on your subject matter. In the process of reading other essays, you also will develop a better sense of how to write one. Study the style of writing and how the information is presented.

If there are professors or graduate students on campus willing to share their insights, schedule interviews with them. As you make notes during your research, begin to organize the information in subtopics or categories. This will help later, when you create an outline for the essay.

3. Determine a Thesis

An essay is constructed around a central thesis, or proposition. The document makes a claim and provides information to support it. To determine your thesis, you must begin by sorting through all the data and opinions collected in your research. Look at the claims you think you wish to make, as well as propositions posed by others in their essays. Consider the evidence, ensuring that it supports the claims.

Jot down key points. Make lists. Use whatever technique you find helpful in organizing your thoughts. Think long and hard about what you really want to say. This will help you identify the thesis and the points you need to make in support of it. Your essay must be unique, reflecting not only your point of view but also your voice.

4. Make an Outline

You are now ready to create an outline. Organize your arguments and supporting information in sections. Determine the order in which the elements should be presented, to ensure a logical flow of text that the reader will find easy to follow and comprehend. Make lists of the material you wish to include in the various sections.

5. Compose the Essay

Come up with a title that states the main point and catches the reader’s attention. Compose an introduction that defines the subject, provides your thesis statement, and gives an overview of how the essay supports the thesis. Some introductions are constructed by describing a problem and then suggesting solutions. You want to make your subject matter sounds interesting, so people are compelled to continue reading.

Section by section, turn your notes and lists into prose by creating sentences and paragraphs. An essay section typically features a topic sentence stating a proposition, followed by bullet points of details supporting the claim.

Finish your essay with a conclusion. It should summarize the material you have presented and restate your thesis. Suggest the significance of your conclusions, and how readers can use the information to better understand the topic. The final sentence should emphasize the essential idea that you are trying to communicate.

The length of essay requested by the professor will help you figure out how many details, and the number of arguments, to include. However, in your first draft, do not worry about being concise. Write down everything that you think you may want to use. Essays generally are expected to be in third-person, rather than first- or second-person, form. Learn the difference between active and passive voice, as many professors prefer the former.

6. Proofread and Edit

Your first draft may be wordy and unorganized. But don’t get discouraged. It’s all part of the process. Your next chore is to go back through the essay, rewriting passages to make them clearer. See that paragraphs follow one another in a logical fashion, and that essay sections flow in a sensible way that consistently supports your thesis. Eliminate redundant statements and unnecessary words. Check your spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Go through the essay several times, on different days. You will find that you are able to improve your work with each edit. Read the essay out loud to test how it sounds, and read it to someone else to get their feedback.

If your idea for a thesis is sound, and you follow the steps outlined in this article, you will be well on your way to creating a strong essay. Do not be intimidated by the prospect of having to write such a document. It really is not that hard to do, if you work hard and take it a step at a time.

If you break down essay writing into a number of steps, you can simplify the process and it can actually be quite fun, here are a few steps to follow for writing an effective essay:

Define the Purpose of Your Essay

Whether you are given an essay topic or you have chosen one for yourself, first and foremost think about what kind of essay you want to write. Determine whether it will be an argumentative or persuasive essay. This will help you form the building blocks of your writing style and help in gathering relevant data.

If you have been already assigned a topic think about what you already know about the topic and what you feel about it, your viewpoint is essential in writing the essay. If you are to choose a topic on your own, you have much more leverage in making your essay as appealing as you want it to be. Choosing a topic which interests you will help in writing a genuinely engaging essay.

Do Your Research

One mistake that we all tend to make is that we do not research or read enough on the topic. The first step is to read and gather as much information as possible on the topic. Use the internet, articles, journals and library resources to gather data related to your topic. The more you read related to your topic, the more material you can generate to refine and include in your essay.

Get Organized

Once you’ve read and gathered data on your topic, start writing down your ideas and try to link them. This will help to understand which ideas should go first and which last. Write the main idea and its supporting evidence. Draw a diagram or write in pointers as it will help you give an initial picture of the content of your essay. It will also help with outlining precisely what you need to write, and how you will go about writing it. A flow chart or a similar diagram will form the foundation of your essay.

Start Writing

Once you have planned and written down your ideas you need to start elaborating them. Take each main idea and write it in paragraph form along with its supporting idea. You can add relevant examples and supporting evidence with it. Have a clear concept of your introduction, the main body and a conclusion.

In the introduction, write one or two paragraphs to introduce the topic and give an idea about your argument. This idea is written in a line or two and guides the reader about the direction of your essay. In the body, elaborate you ideas and write about them more clearly. The conclusion should hold a summary of your argument.

Proof read

Once you are done writing the first draft, always read it again and see how it will sound to the reader. Never submit an essay without thoroughly going through it again. While writing an essay we tend to forget that someone will be reading it. Make any changes that you feel are required. Check the sentence structures and refine them if you feel it is not delivering the point. Check your essay thoroughly for any grammatical or spelling mistakes, and if possible ask for an opinion from friends or family members. It always helps to have your work reviewed before submitting it.

If you conduct proper research and make an outline of your ideas, half the work in writing your essay will be done. Just be sure to stay focused on your topic and deliver your points effectively in making your essay a success.

A 2013 study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) showed that 63.1% of college graduates who completed a paid internship received at least one job offer upon graduating. The number of internships available continues to grow as companies see the importance of entry-level employees and the value of continuity.

Before you receive your first full time job offer, however, you have to nail your first internship interview. How do you stand out among a sea of students with the same goals and interests?

Do your research

Create a list of internships you’d like to apply for and learn more about each company. Review their websites and look for information like: history, mission, culture, locations, products/services, and newsroom. Is the company known for being a little more casual and creative like Southwest Airlines, or is it very formal? Is it a small start-up, or are there offices all over the world? Remember that you are selling yourself to the employer, so you need to figure out what is most important to them.

Get guidance

Visit with a career advisor on campus to create or update your resume. Take your research with you so can create a resume tailored to each company. Consider extracurriculars, projects or specific classes that prove you could succeed at the internship. Highlight your significant achievements and tie them to outcomes. For example, I served as chair of the event planning committee and increased attendance by 35%. I completed a 25-page report on social media marketing in business and received an A+.

Create a cover letter that is tailored to each company. If possible, direct it to the person who will be reading it. Proofread carefully and address the employer’s needs. Why should you be an intern there? What can you do for them that no other student can? These are your selling points. Be clear and concise, as hiring managers are very busy and can receive hundreds of applications.

Study up

Once you’ve secured an interview, it’s time to do more studying. Review your initial research. See if there’s anything you may have missed. Be sure to review the resume and cover letter you sent in and be prepared to discuss anything included in them. Print a copy of your resume and cover letter to take with you.

Prepare for the part

Be sure you know exactly where your interview location is. Arrive 5-10 minutes early. Being too early may actually interfere with other things going on in the office and being late is not acceptable. Be polite to everyone you pass or speak to on the way in. You never know who’s watching.

First impressions are everything and what you wear will affect the outcome of your interview. If you are unsure of the office environment, stick with something conservative. Solid colors and neutral shades are best. Women should avoid revealing clothing and opt for conservative suit with limited jewelry. Men should avoid anything too loose. A simple suit and tie is just fine. Some organizations such as nonprofits and start-ups will tell you up front that they are very casual, and you may even feel comfortable asking them what you should wear. If you are still unsure, however, it is better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.

Confidence is key

Once in your interview, speak with confidence. Answer the questions you are asked without veering off topic out of nervousness. Try to relate your answers back to how they can benefit the company, or make sure they highlight a quality or skill you possess that would be beneficial. You need to believe you belong there and you need to make them believe it too. Towards the end, ask if your interviewer has any concerns about your qualifications or interests that you can address.

Say thank you

Thank your interviewer and ask for a business card. Use their contact information to follow up with a brief email. Make specific reference to what you learned in the interview and how your experience or background is a good fit. Be sure to thank them for interviewing you one last time.

Although it may seem overwhelming, taking the above steps will insure that you are as prepared as possible for your first interview. Prospective employers want to know that you take the process very seriously because they are investing in you. Prepare, be confident and be grateful for the opportunity to begin your career outside of school.

Deciding where to go to college is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. How to choose a university entails a number of considerations. You want to find the college that best meets you priorities, in terms of academics, facilities, policies and other factors. Of course, your budget will play a significant role. Selecting the university that is the right match for you can result in a rewarding career. On the other hand, if you go to a school that does not meet your needs and inspire you to learn, you might get discouraged and drop out before earning a degree.

Begin by compiling a list of colleges in your area, as well as those elsewhere that you want to consider. If you are looking for a school close to home, your list will be shorter. You can save a lot of money by commuting to classes from your family home. However, many consider getting away from home part of the college experience. Staying in a a dorm involves living with different people, managing your money, and providing for yourself in terms of meals and other needs. You have to make choices and decisions not faced while living at home. The life skills you attain may be as valuable as the academic lessons.

Decide whether you want to consider small colleges, large universities or both. A college in a little town may offer smaller class sizes and a more personal environment. Major universities have more classes, facilities and activities.

Research which universities offer degree programs in the field that you plan to study. Consult the various college-rating schemes to see how the institutions on your list rank. Learn their tuition rates, fees, and cost of room of board. This step will likely eliminate some of the candidates. However, a seemingly expensive school may fit in your budget if it offers scholarships or other types of financial aid for which you are eligible.

Find out colleges’ requirements regarding ACT and SAT scores, to make sure you qualify. Consider class sizes and the faculty’s qualifications. If you are physically disabled, struggle with a learning disorder, or have emotional or social problems, see which schools offer the facilities and policies you require. Check out extracurricular activities. Some colleges feature an array of recreational facilities for students, while many offer clubs and programs for the arts and other interests. Academics are just part of the college experience. Make sure the school you choose provides enriching opportunities outside the classroom.

Find out about the academic performance of the students at a college, and the kinds of jobs that graduates have gotten in your field of interest. Learn about schools’ teaching methods, which may be traditional or alternative. You also may be interested in policies regarding grading, safety and campus security, discipline and other matters.

Don’t pay a lot of attention to a school’s reputation, whether good or bad. A college may not be right for you, even if it is considered prestigious. A bad reputation may be unfounded or misleading. Take with a grain of salt any advice offered by friends or family members. They may be basing their opinions on limited personal experience or anecdotal evidence. Find out for yourself.

Reading the information that colleges send you does not provide the whole picture. They spend a lot of money to produce slick brochures and other materials designed to entice you. View their publications and websites as critically as you would a television commercial.

Once you have reduced your list to a few colleges, start scheduling campus visits. Meet administrators and professors, and talk informally with students. Tour the classrooms, library, cafeteria, student-activities areas, dormitories and other facilities. Make sure the information technology is up-to-date. Sit in on some classes to get a feel for what it would be like to attend the college. Try to determine whether it is a place where you will feel secure, happy and eager to learn. Get a sense of the social and political climate on campus. It’s a good idea to take friends or family members with you on the tour, so you can benefit from their perspectives.

Knowing how to choose a university is a complex matter. There are myriad factors to ponder, based on your needs and budget. Start your search early, with an eye on colleges’ deadlines for admissions and student-housing applications.

You will need to set your priorities, because some compromises are inevitable. If you accurately assess your requirements, and thoroughly consider the universities that fit the bill, you have a good chance of finding the right place for a rewarding post-secondary learning experience.